U.S. patent number 8,185,351 [Application Number 11/643,161] was granted by the patent office on 2012-05-22 for methods and systems for testing ability to conduct a research operation.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Arbitron, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jack C. Crystal, Alan R. Neuhauser.
United States Patent |
8,185,351 |
Crystal , et al. |
May 22, 2012 |
Methods and systems for testing ability to conduct a research
operation
Abstract
Methods and systems for testing an ability of a Portable User
Appliance (PUA) and/or a research data gathering system coupled
therewith are disclosed. A method for testing an ability of a PUA
to carry out a research operation, comprises communicating a
testing message to the PUA and/or research data gathering system
coupled therewith, the testing message comprising one of a test
command to test its ability to carry out a research operation, and
test data to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to
test its ability to carry out a research operation.
Inventors: |
Crystal; Jack C. (Owings Mill,
MD), Neuhauser; Alan R. (Silver Spring, MD) |
Assignee: |
Arbitron, Inc. (Columbia,
MD)
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Family
ID: |
38189118 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/643,161 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20070294057 A1 |
Dec 20, 2007 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60751825 |
Dec 20, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q
30/0208 (20130101); H04B 1/385 (20130101); H04L
67/02 (20130101); G06Q 10/00 (20130101); H04W
4/029 (20180201); G06Q 30/0203 (20130101); G06Q
30/0201 (20130101); H04W 4/02 (20130101); H04B
1/3833 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
11/22 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;702/57,58,65,69,74-77,104,106,116,120,122,126,177,183,185,186,188
;455/2.01 ;375/344 ;725/11,18 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2136054 |
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May 1996 |
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CA |
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0 887 958 |
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Jun 1998 |
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EP |
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91/11062 |
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Jul 1991 |
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WO |
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94/17609 |
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Aug 1994 |
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WO |
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2005/038625 |
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Apr 2005 |
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WO |
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2006/014362 |
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Feb 2006 |
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WO |
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Other References
The Arbitron Radio Description of Methodology, Jul. 18, 2006. cited
by other .
W. Bender et al., "Techniques for data hiding", IBM Systems
Journal, vol. 35, Nos. 3&4, 1996. cited by other .
R. Walker, "Audio Watermaking", BBC Research and Development, 2004.
cited by other .
Rabinowitz, M. et al, "A New Positioning System Using Television
Synchronization Signals", date unknown, pp. 1-11. cited by other
.
Rabinowitz, M. et al, "Is a Next Generation Positioning Technology
Necessary?", Jun. 17, 2002, 22 pages. cited by other .
www.rosum.com, various pages from website, Rosum TV-GPS, printed
Feb. 16, 2005, 13 pages total. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Charioui; Mohamed
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Zura; Peter Barnes & Thornburg
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent
application No. 60/751,825, filed Dec. 20, 2005, in the names of
Alan R. Neuhauser, Vijoy K. Gopalakrishnan, Jack C. Crystal, Jack
K. Zhang, and Eugene L. Flanagan III.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for testing an ability of at least one of a portable
user appliance (PUA) and a research data gathering system coupled
therewith to carry out a research operation, comprising:
communicating a testing message to at least one of the PUA and the
research data gathering system, the testing message comprising at
least one of: a test command for the at least one of the PUA and
the research data gathering system to execute a testing function
for testing an ability in advance to carry out a research
operation, and test data for the at least one of the PUA and the
research data gathering system to establish, enable or provide a
capability thereof to test its ability in advance to carry out a
research operation; and receiving a test result in response to the
testing message.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the testing message comprises
test data to be processed by the PUA and/or the research data
gathering system to test an ability thereof to carry out a research
operation.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the PUA implements a function for
converting time-domain data to frequency-domain data, and the test
data comprises time-domain data to be operated on by the
function.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the test data comprises
time-domain audio data.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the PUA includes a clock and the
test data is provided for testing an operational characteristic of
the clock.
6. The method of claim 1, comprising processing the test data to
provide a capability of the PUA and/or the research data gathering
system to test its ability to carry out a research operation.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the test data comprises software
for running on a processor of the PUA and/or the research data
gathering system, and processing the test data comprises storing
the software therein.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the testing message serves to
command the PUA to conduct a test of its ability to carry out a
research operation as configured at the time of testing, or to
establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its
ability to carry out a research operation as configured at the time
of testing.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the testing message serves to
command the PUA to conduct a test of its ability to carry out a
research operation if configured with hardware and/or software to
interact with pre-existing hardware and/or software of the PUA, or
to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its
ability to carry out a research operation if thus configured with
hardware and/or software.
10. The method of claim 1, comprising, in response to the test
command, conducting an operation of the PUA and/or the research
data gathering system to test its ability to carry out a research
operation.
11. A method implemented in one of a portable user appliance (PUA)
and a research data gathering system coupled therewith for testing
an ability of at least one thereof to carry out a research
operation, comprising: receiving a testing message in at least one
of the PUA and the research data gathering system, the testing
message comprising at least one of: a test command for the at least
one of the PUA and the research data gathering system to execute a
testing function for testing an ability in advance to carry out a
research operation, and test data for the at least one of the PUA
and the research data gathering system to establish, enable or
provide a capability thereof to test its ability in advance to
carry out a research operation; and carrying out a test of the
ability of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system to
carry out a research operation in advance based on the at least one
of the test command and the test data.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the testing message, received
in the PUA, comprises test data to be processed by the PUA to test
its ability thereof to carry out a research operation.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the research data gathering
system comprises a function for converting time-domain data to
frequency-domain data, and the test data comprises time-domain data
to be operated on by the function.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the test data comprises
time-domain audio data.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the PUA includes a clock and
the test data is provided for testing an operational characteristic
of the clock when the testing message is received in the PUA.
16. The method of claim 11, comprising processing the test data to
provide a capability of the PUA and/or the research data gathering
system to test its ability to carry out a research operation.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the test data comprises
software for running on a processor of the PUA and/or the research
data processing system and processing the test data comprises
storing the software therein.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the test is carried out when
production of data indicates one of a faulty operation and an
inoperative state.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising communicating the
results of the test to a processing facility.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the testing message comprises a
test command, and comprising, in response to the test command,
conducting an operation of the PUA and/or the research data
gathering system to test its ability to carry out a research
operation.
21. A method of testing an ability of a research data gathering
system implemented in a portable user appliance (PUA), or coupled
therewith, to carry out a research operation, comprising:
conducting a test of the research data gathering system to produce
test results data indicating, in advance, an ability of the
research data gathering system to carry out a research operation,
said test results data being produced in response to one of: a test
command received at the research data gathering system for
executing a testing function, and test data received at the
research data gathering system to establish, enable or provide a
capability thereof; and communicating the test results data from
the PUA to a test data processing facility.
22. The method of claim 21, comprising conducting the test in
response to the occurrence of a predetermined event.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the predetermined event
comprises receipt of a test request message by the PUA and/or the
research data gathering system coupled therewith.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the predetermined event
comprises the occurrence of an operational condition within the
research data gathering system.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the predetermined event
comprises the occurrence of a predetermined time.
26. The method of claim 21, comprising receiving test data in the
PUA and/or the research data gathering system coupled therewith for
use in conducting the test.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the research data gathering
system comprises a time domain to frequency domain conversion
function, the test data comprises data having a predetermined
frequency content, and conducting the test comprises supplying the
test data to the conversion function and gathering frequency data
as an output of the conversion function.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Consumers have many more options for obtaining and reproducing
media now than in the past. In particular, portable devices provide
multiple options for accessing and playing media, such as audio and
video downloads, various types of media from web sites, and so
on.
There is also a convergence of personal communications capabilities
and multimedia options in a single portable device, such as a
cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, and the like.
Increasingly, consumers are accessing and consuming media "on the
go" and out-of-home using such portable devices, and as the quality
of media presented by such devices is improved, it can be expected
that such mobile consumption of media will increase.
These trends in media usage require new techniques for monitoring
exposure to media, techniques that will enable data gathering
encompassing various types of media and ways of presenting media to
consumers.
Dedicated portable monitoring devices have been developed including
the hardware and software required to monitor exposure to audio
media. It has been proposed to monitor exposure of consumers to
audio media by incorporating monitoring software in a cellular
telephone, making use of the cellular telephone's hardware,
including its microphone, CPU, memory capacity and communications
capabilities.
However, since cellular telephones and other personal user
appliances are not designed for the purpose of sampling the
exposure of consumers to audio media, but rather this is an
ancillary function to their basic communications operations, the
hardware and operating system of the device cannot necessarily be
substituted for that of a dedicated monitoring device without
encountering unforeseeable technical problems.
DISCLOSURE
For this application the following terms and definitions shall
apply:
The term "data" as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,
symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other
physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent
or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric,
magnetic, electromagnetic or otherwise manifested. The term "data"
as used to represent predetermined information in one physical form
shall be deemed to encompass any and all representations of
corresponding information in a different physical form or
forms.
The terms "media data" and "media" as used herein mean data which
is widely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable,
satellite, network, internetwork (including the Internet), print,
displayed, distributed on storage media, or by any other means or
technique that is humanly perceptible, without regard to the form
or content of such data, and including but not limited to audio,
video, text, images, animations, databases, files, broadcasts,
displays (including but not limited to video displays, posters and
billboards), signs, signals, web pages, print media and streaming
media data.
The term "presentation data" shall mean media data or content other
than media data to be presented to a user.
The term "research data" as used herein means data comprising (1)
data concerning usage of media, (2) data concerning exposure to
media, and/or (3) market research data.
The terms "gather" and "gathering" as used herein include both
directly gathering data with the use of a device as well as
emitting data from a device that causes or enables another device
to gather data.
The term "research operation" as used herein means an operation
comprising gathering, storing and/or communicating research
data.
The term "database" as used herein means an organized body of
related data, regardless of the manner in which the data or the
organized body thereof is represented. For example, the organized
body of related data may be in the form of a table, a map, a grid,
a packet, a datagram, a file, an e-mail, a message, a document, a
list or in any other form.
The term "network" as used herein includes both networks and
internetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not
limited to any particular network or internetwork.
The terms "first," "second," "primary," and "secondary" are used
herein to distinguish one element, set, data, object, step,
process, function, action or thing from another, and are not used
to designate relative position, arrangement in time or relative
importance, unless otherwise stated explicitly.
The terms "coupled", "coupled to", and "coupled with" as used
herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more
devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions,
operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks,
systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of
(a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other
devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions,
operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks,
systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship,
whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus,
files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes,
programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or
means, and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation
of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements,
functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components,
networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in
part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.
The terms "communicate", and "communicating" as used herein include
both conveying data from a source to a destination, and delivering
data to a communications medium, system, channel, device, wire,
cable, fiber, circuit or link to be conveyed to a destination, and
the term "communication" as used herein means data so conveyed or
delivered. The term "communications` as used herein includes one or
more of a communications medium, system, channel, device, wire,
cable, fiber, circuit and link.
The term "processor" as used herein means processing devices,
apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems,
whether implemented in hardware, software or both, and whether or
not programmable. The term "processor" as used herein includes, but
is not limited to computers, hardwired circuits, signal modifying
devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems,
central processing units, programmable devices, field programmable
gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, systems on a
chip, systems comprised of discrete elements and circuits, state
machines, virtual machines and combinations of any of the
foregoing.
The terms "storage" and "data storage" as used herein mean data
storage devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components,
systems, subsystems and storage media serving to retain data,
whether on a temporary or permanent basis, and to provide such
retained data.
The terms "panelist," "panel member" and "participant" are
interchangeably used herein to refer to a person who is, knowingly
or unknowingly, participating in a study to gather information,
whether by electronic, survey or other means, about that person's
activity.
The term "household" as used herein is to be broadly construed to
include family members, a family living at the same residence, a
group of persons related or unrelated to one another living at the
same residence, and a group of persons living within a common
facility (of which the total number of unrelated persons does not
exceed a predetermined number), such as a fraternity house, an
apartment or other similar structure or arrangement.
The term "portable user appliance" (also referred to herein, for
convenience, by the abbreviation "PUA") as used herein means an
electrical or non-electrical device capable of being carried by or
on the person of a user or capable of being disposed on or in, or
held by, a physical object (e.g., attache, purse) capable of being
carried by or on the user, and having at least one function of
primary benefit to such user, including without limitation, a
cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a
Blackberry device, a radio, a television, a game system (e.g., a
Gameboy.RTM. device), a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a GPS
device, an iPod.RTM. device, a DVD player, a walkie talkie, a
personal communications device, a telematics device, a remote
control device, a wireless headset, a wristwatch, a portable data
storage device (e.g., Thumb.TM. drive), a camera, a recorder, a
keyless entry transmitter device, a ring, a comb, a pen, a pencil,
a notebook, a wallet, a tool, an implement, a pair of glasses, an
article of clothing, a belt, a belt buckle, a fob, an article of
jewelry, an ornamental article, a pair of shoes or other foot
garment (e.g., sandals), a jacket, and a hat, as well as any
devices combining any of the foregoing or their functions.
The term "activation message" as used herein shall mean data
comprising at least one of (1) an activation command for a PUA for
activating a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation,
(2) activation data for a PUA for enabling and/or providing a
capability of the PUA to perform a research operation, (3) visual
display data for a PUA including a message soliciting participation
of a user of the PUA in a research operation, (4) activation
request data for a PUA requesting activation, enablement or
installation of a capability thereof to perform a research
operation, (5) a message for a user of a PUA requesting an action
thereof to activate, enable and/or install a capability of the PUA
to perform a research operation, and/or providing instructions for
participating in a research operation automatically by means of a
PUA, (6) a message for a user of a PUA providing or offering to
provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's
participation in a research operation, and (7) a message to a PUA
and/or a user of a PUA requesting communication of a participation
message in response.
The term "maintenance message" as used herein shall mean data
comprising at least one of (1) a test command for a PUA to control
an operation thereof to test its operational status or ability to
perform a research operation, (2) test data for a PUA to establish,
enable or provide a capability thereof to test its operational
status or ability to perform a research operation, (3) a message
requesting a response from a user of a PUA identifying such user,
and/or providing demographic or other user-specific data of the
user, (4) a message requesting system data of the PUA, and (5) a
command or request for a PUA to perform a research operation.
The term "termination message" as used herein shall mean data
comprising at least one of: (1) a deactivation message for a PUA to
deactivate a capability thereof to perform a research operation;
(2) a deactivation message for a user of a PUA instructing them to
deactivate a capability of the PUA to perform a research operation;
and (3) providing a benefit to a person as a final consideration
for the person's previous participation in a research operation, or
notifying the person that such a benefit will be or has been
provided.
The term "participation message" as used herein shall mean data
comprising at least one of (1) research data gathered automatically
by a PUA, (2) a message from a PUA indicating an operational status
or ability thereof to perform a research operation, or providing
results of a test of such operational status or ability, (3) a
message from a user of a PUA concerning participation of the user
in a research operation by means of a PUA, or ancillary to such
participation, such as concerning a benefit provided to the user
for such participation or indicating activation or deactivation of
an ability of a PUA to perform a research operation, (4) a message
from a user of a PUA identifying such user and/or providing
demographic and/or other user-specific data of the user, (5) a
message providing system data of the PUA, (6) a message from a
benefit provider concerning a benefit provided or to be provided to
a user of a PUA for participation in a research operation, such as
a message indicating receipt of a benefit request or a termination
message requesting a benefit, and (7) a message from a PUA
indicating receipt thereby of an activation message, a maintenance
message or a termination message.
Methods and systems are disclosed herein in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA modified to carry out research
operations;
FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram for use in explaining certain
embodiments involving the use of the PUA of FIG. 1;
FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system for setting up, promoting,
operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with
the use of multiple PUA's, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a PUA in communication with a research
system;
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a PUA with a research data monitor
affixed thereto;
FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the PUA of FIG. 2A coupled
with the research data monitor thereof;
FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A
and 2B;
FIG. 2D is a layout diagram of an embodiment of the research data
monitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;
FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA communicating with the research
data monitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA)
modified to carry out research operations;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device modified to
carry out research operations;
FIG. 5 illustrates a pen in phantom lines, having a research data
collection system therein which serves to carry out research
operations;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the research data collection system of
FIG. 5; and
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an advantageous signature
extraction technique.
A method for testing an ability of a PUA and/or a research data
gathering system coupled therewith to carry out a research
operation, comprises communicating a testing message to the PUA
and/or the research data gathering system comprising at least one
of a test command for the PUA and/or the research data gathering
system to test its ability to carry out a research operation, and
test data for the PUA and/or the research data gathering system to
establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its
ability to carry out a research operation.
A method implemented in a PUA and/or in a research data gathering
system coupled therewith for testing an ability of at least one
thereof to carry out a research operation, comprises receiving a
testing message in at least one of the PUA and the research data
gathering system, the testing message comprising at least one of a
test command for the PUA and/or the research data gathering system
to test its ability to carry out a research operation, and test
data for the PUA and/or the research data gathering system to
establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test its
ability to carry out a research operation, and carrying out a test
of the ability of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system
to carry out a research operation based on the at least one of the
test command and the test data.
A method of testing an ability of a research data gathering system
implemented in a PUA, or coupled therewith, to carry out a research
operation, comprises conducting a test of the research data
gathering system to produce test results data indicating an ability
of the research data gathering system to carry out a research
operation, and communicating the test results data from the PUA to
a test data processing facility.
Numerous types of research operations are possible, including,
without limitation, television and radio program audience
measurement; exposure to advertising in various media, such as
television, radio, print and outdoor advertising, among others;
consumer spending habits; consumer shopping habits including the
particular retail stores and other locations visited during
shopping and recreational activities; travel patterns, such as the
particular routes taken between home and work, and other locations;
consumer attitudes, awareness and preferences; and so on. For the
desired type of media and/or market research operation to be
conducted, particular activity of individuals is monitored, or data
concerning their attitudes, awareness and/or preferences is
gathered. In certain embodiments research data relating to two or
more of the foregoing are gathered, while in others only one kind
of such data is gathered.
Various monitoring techniques are suitable. For example, television
viewing or radio listening habits, including exposure to
commercials therein, are monitored utilizing a variety of
techniques. In certain techniques, acoustic energy to which an
individual is exposed is monitored to produce data which identifies
or characterizes a program, song, station, channel, commercial,
etc. that is being watched or listened to by the individual. Where
audio media includes ancillary codes that provide such information,
suitable decoding techniques are employed to detect the encoded
information, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,490 and
No. 5,764,763 to Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124 to Aijala,
et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,574,962, 5,581,800 and 5,787,334 to
Fardeau, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,180 to Neuhauser, et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,862,355 to Kolessar, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,360 to
Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,735 to Preuss et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,687,191 to Lee, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,627 to Petrovich
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,325 to Wolosewicz et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,154,484 to Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,932 to Smith et al.,
US 2001/0053190 to Srinivasan, US 2003/0110485 to Lu, et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,737,025 to Dougherty, et al., US 2004/0170381 to
Srinivasan, and WO 06/14362 to Srinivasan, et al., all of which
hereby are incorporated by reference herein.
Examples of techniques for encoding ancillary codes in audio, and
for reading such codes, are provided in Bender, et al., "Techniques
for Data Hiding", IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 35, Nos. 3 & 4,
1996, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Bender, et al.
disclose a technique for encoding audio termed "phase encoding" in
which segments of the audio are transformed to the frequency
domain, for example, by a discrete Fourier transform (DFT), so that
phase data is produced for each segment. Then the phase data is
modified to encode a code symbol, such as one bit. Processing of
the phase encoded audio to read the code is carried out by
synchronizing with the data sequence, and detecting the phase
encoded data using the known values of the segment length, the DFT
points and the data interval.
Bender, et al. also describe spread spectrum encoding and decoding,
of which multiple embodiments are disclosed in the above-cited
Aijala, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124.
Still another audio encoding and decoding technique described by
Bender, et al. is echo data hiding in which data is embedded in a
host audio signal by introducing an echo. Symbol states are
represented by the values of the echo delays, and they are read by
any appropriate processing that serves to evaluate the lengths
and/or presence of the encoded delays.
A further technique, or category of techniques, termed "amplitude
modulation" is described in R. Walker, "Audio Watermarking", BBC
Research and Development, 2004. In this category fall techniques
that modify the envelope of the audio signal, for example by
notching or otherwise modifying brief portions of the signal, or by
subjecting the envelope to longer term modifications. Processing
the audio to read the code can be achieved by detecting the
transitions representing a notch or other modifications, or by
accumulation or integration over a time period comparable to the
duration of an encoded symbol, or by another suitable
technique.
Another category of techniques identified by Walker involves
transforming the audio from the time domain to some transform
domain, such as a frequency domain, and then encoding by adding
data or otherwise modifying the transformed audio. The domain
transformation can be carried out by a Fourier, DCT, Hadamard,
Wavelet or other transformation, or by digital or analog filtering.
Encoding can be achieved by adding a modulated carrier or other
data (such as noise, noise-like data or other symbols in the
transform domain) or by modifying the transformed audio, such as by
notching or altering one or more frequency bands, bins or
combinations of bins, or by combining these methods. Still other
related techniques modify the frequency distribution of the audio
data in the transform domain to encode. Psychoacoustic masking can
be employed to render the codes inaudible or to reduce their
prominence. Processing to read ancillary codes in audio data
encoded by techniques within this category typically involves
transforming the encoded audio to the transform domain and
detecting the additions or other modifications representing the
codes.
A still further category of techniques identified by Walker
involves modifying audio data encoded for compression (whether
lossy or lossless) or other purpose, such as audio data encoded in
an MP3 format or other MPEG audio format, AC-3, DTS, ATRAC, WMA,
RealAudio, Ogg Vorbis, APT X100, FLAC, Shorten, Monkey's Audio, or
other. Encoding involves modifications to the encoded audio data,
such as modifications to coding coefficients and/or to predefined
decision thresholds. Processing the audio to read the code is
carried out by detecting such modifications using knowledge of
predefined audio encoding parameters.
It will be appreciated that various known encoding techniques may
be employed, either alone or in combination with the
above-described techniques. Such known encoding techniques include,
but are not limited to FSK, PSK (such as BPSK), amplitude
modulation, frequency modulation and phase modulation.
In some cases a signature is extracted from transduced media data
for identification by matching with reference signatures of known
media data. Suitable techniques for this purpose include those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,729 to Ellis, et al. and in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,739,398 to Thomas, et al., each of which is assigned to
the assignee of the present application and both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Still other suitable techniques are the subject of U.S. Pat. No.
2,662,168 to Scherbatskoy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,479 to Moon, et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,209 to Kiewit, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,466
to Lert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,933 to Wheatley, et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 4,955,070 to Welsh, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,730 to
Schulze, U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,562 to Kenyon, et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,450,551 to Kenyon, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,990 to Lert, et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,934 to Lu, et al., European Published
Patent Application EP 0887958 to Bichsel and PCT publication
WO91/11062 to Young, et al., all of which are incorporated herein
by reference in their entireties.
An advantageous signature extraction technique transforms audio
data within a predetermined frequency range to the frequency domain
by a transform function, such as an FFT. The FFT data from an even
number of frequency bands (for example, eight, ten, sixteen or
thirty two frequency bands) spanning the predetermined frequency
range are used two bands at a time during successive time
intervals. FIG. 7 provides an example of how pairs of the bands are
selected during successive time intervals where the total number of
bands used is equal to ten. The selected bands are indicated by an
"X".
When each band is selected, the energy values of the FFT bins
within such band and such time interval are processed to form one
bit of the signature. If there are ten FFT's for each interval of
the audio signal, for example, the values of all bins of such band
within the first five FFT's are summed to form a value "A" and the
values of all bins of such band within the last five FFT's are
summed to form a value "B". In the case of a received broadcast
audio signal, the value A is formed from portions of the audio
signal that were broadcast prior to those used to form the value
B.
To form a bit of the signature, the values A and B are compared. If
B is greater than A, the bit is assigned a value "1" and if A is
greater than or equal to B, the bit is assigned a value of "0".
Thus, during each time interval, two bits of the signature are
produced.
One advantageous technique carries out either or both of code
detection and signature extraction remotely from the location where
the research data is gathered, as disclosed in US Published Patent
Application 2003/0005430 published Jan. 2, 2003 to Ronald S.
Kolessar, which is assigned to the assignee of the present
application and is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
If location tracking or exposure to outdoor advertising is carried
out, then various techniques for doing so are employed. Suitable
techniques for location tracking or monitoring exposure to outdoor
advertising are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 in the names
of Jack K. Zhang, Jack C. Crystal, and James M. Jensen, issued Oct.
25, 2005, and US Published Patent Application 2005/0035857 A1
published Feb. 17, 2005 in the names of Jack K. Zhang, Jack C.
Crystal, James M. Jensen and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Aug. 13,
2003, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present
application and hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
Where usage of publications, such as periodicals, books, and
magazines, is monitored, suitable techniques for doing so are
employed, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/084,481 in the names of James M. Jensen, Jack C. Crystal,
Alan R. Neuhauser, Jack Zhang, Daniel W. Pugh, Douglas J. Visnius,
and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 18, 2005, which is assigned
to the assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety.
In addition to those types of research data mentioned above and the
various techniques identified for gathering such types of data,
other types of research data may be gathered and other types of
techniques may be employed. For example, research data relating to
consumer purchasing conduct, consumer product return conduct,
exposure of consumers to products and presence and/or proximity to
commercial establishments may be gathered, and various techniques
for doing so may be employed. Suitable techniques for gathering
data concerning presence and/or proximity to commercial
establishments are disclosed in US Published Patent Application
2005/0200476 A1 published Sep. 15, 2005 in the names of David
Patrick Forr, James M. Jensen, and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed
Mar. 15, 2004, and in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784
A1 published Nov. 3, 2005 in the names of Joan Fitzgerald, Jack
Crystal, Alan Neuhauser, James M. Jensen, David Patrick Forr, and
Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 29, 2005. Suitable techniques
for gathering data concerning exposure of consumers to products are
disclosed in US Published Patent Application 2005/0203798 A1
published Sep. 15, 2005 in the names of James M. Jensen and Eugene
L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 15, 2004.
Moreover, techniques involving the active participation of the
panel members may be used in research operations. For example,
surveys may be employed where a panel member is asked questions
utilizing the panel member's PUA after recruitment. Thus, it is to
be understood that both the exemplary types of research data to be
gathered discussed herein and the exemplary manners of gathering
research data as discussed herein are illustrative and that other
types of research data may be gathered and that other techniques
for gathering research data may be employed.
Various PUA's already have capabilities sufficient to enable the
implementation of the desired monitoring technique or techniques to
be employed during the research operation. As an example, cellular
telephones have microphones which convert acoustic energy into
audio data. Various cellular telephones further have processing and
storage capability.
In certain embodiments, various existing PUA's are modified merely
by software and/or minor hardware changes to carry out a research
operation. In certain other embodiments, PUA's are redesigned and
substantially reconstructed for this purpose. In certain
embodiments the PUA is coupled with a separate research data
gathering system and provides operations ancillary or complementary
thereto.
In certain embodiments, the PUA itself is operative to gather
research data. In certain embodiments, the PUA emits data that
causes another device to gather research data. Such embodiments
include various embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710
and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,481, referenced
above. In certain embodiments, the PUA is operative both to gather
research data and to emit data that causes another device to gather
research data.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA 20 (such as a cellular telephone
or other data processing and communicating device) modified to
carry out a research operation. The PUA 20 comprises a processor 30
that is operative to exercise overall control and to process audio
and other data for transmission or reception and communications 40
coupled to the processor 30 and operative under the control of
processor 30 to perform those functions required for establishing
and maintaining a two-way wireless communication link with a PUA
network. In certain embodiments, processor 30 also is operative to
execute applications ancillary or unrelated to the conduct of PUA
communications, such as applications serving to download audio
and/or video data to be reproduced by PUA 20, e-mail clients and
applications enabling the user to play games using the PUA 20. In
certain embodiments, processor 30 comprises two or more processing
devices, such as a first processing device (such as a digital
signal processor) that processes audio, and a second processing
device that exercises overall control over operation of the PUA 20.
In certain embodiments, processor 30 employs a single processing
device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of
processor 30 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.
PUA 20 further comprises storage 50 coupled with processor 30 and
operative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage
50 comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises
multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device
implements certain functions of both processor 30 and storage
50.
In addition, PUA 20 comprises a microphone 60 coupled with
processor 30 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal
which it supplies to processor 30 for encoding, and a speaker
and/or earphone 70 coupled with processor 30 to transduce received
audio from processor 30 to an acoustic output to be heard by the
user. PUA 20 also includes a user input 80 coupled with processor
30, such as a keypad, to enter telephone numbers and other control
data, as well as a display 90 coupled with processor 30 to provide
data visually to the user under the control of processor 30.
In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 provides additional functions
and/or comprises additional elements. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the PUA 20 provides e-mail, text messaging and/or web
access through its wireless communications capabilities, providing
access to media and other content. For example, Internet access by
the PUA 20 enables access to video and/or audio content that can be
reproduced by the cellular telephone for the user, such as songs,
video on demand, video clips and streaming media. In certain
embodiments, storage 50 stores software providing audio and/or
video downloading and reproducing functionality, such as iPod.RTM.
software, enabling the user to reproduce audio and/or video content
downloaded from a source, such as a personal computer via
communications 40 or through direct Internet access via
communications 40.
To enable PUA 20 to gather research data, namely, data indicating
exposure to audio such as programs, music and advertisements, in
certain embodiments research software is installed in storage 50 to
control processor 30 to gather such data and communicate it via
communications 40 to a research organization. The research software
in certain embodiments also controls processor 30 to store the data
for subsequent communication.
In certain embodiments, the research software controls the
processor 30 to decode ancillary codes in the transduced audio from
microphone 60 using one or more of the known techniques identified
hereinabove, and then to store and/or communicate the decoded data
for use as research data indicating encoded audio to which the user
was exposed. In certain embodiments, the research software controls
the processor 30 to extract signatures from the transduced audio
from microphone 60 using one or more of the known techniques
identified hereinabove, and then to store and/or communicate the
extracted signature data for use as research data to be matched
with reference signatures representing known audio to detect the
audio to which the user was exposed. In certain embodiments, the
research software both decodes ancillary codes in the transduced
audio and extracts signatures therefrom for identifying the audio
to which the user was exposed. In certain embodiments, the research
software controls the processor 30 to store samples of the
transduced audio, either in compressed or uncompressed form for
subsequent processing either to decode ancillary codes therein or
to extract signatures therefrom. In certain ones of these
embodiments, the compressed or uncompressed audio is communicated
to a remote processor for decoding and/or signature extraction.
Where the PUA 20 possesses functionality to download and/or
reproduce presentation data, in certain embodiments, research data
concerning the usage and/or exposure to such presentation data as
well as audio data received acoustically by microphone 60, is
gathered by PUA 20 in accordance with the technique illustrated by
the functional block diagram of FIG. 1A. Storage 50 of FIG. 1
implements an audio buffer 54 for audio data gathered with the use
of microphone 60. In certain ones of these embodiments storage 50
implements a buffer 56 for presentation data downloaded and/or
reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposed via speaker
and/or earphone 70 or display 90, or by means of a device coupled
with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present it to a user.
In some of such embodiments, the reproduced data is obtained from
downloaded data, such as songs, web pages or audio/video data
(e.g., movies, television programs, video clips). In some of such
embodiments, the reproduced data is provided from a device such as
a broadcast or satellite radio receiver of the PUA 20 (not shown
for purposes of simplicity and clarity). In certain ones of these
embodiments storage 50 implements a buffer 56 for metadata of
presentation data reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposed
via speaker and/or earphone 70 or display 90, or by means of a
device coupled with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present
it to a user. Such metadata can be, for example, a URL from which
the presentation data was obtained, channel tuning data, program
identification data, an identification of a prerecorded file from
which the data was reproduced, or any data that identifies and/or
characterizes the presentation data, or a source thereof. Where
buffer 56 stores audio data, buffers 54 and 56 store their audio
data (either in the time domain or the frequency domain)
independently of one another. Where buffer 56 stores metadata of
audio data, buffer 54 stores its audio data (either in the time
domain or the frequency domain) and buffer 56 stores its metadata,
each independently of the other.
Processor 30 separately produces research data 58 from the contents
of each of buffers 54 and 56 which it stores in storage 50. In
certain ones of these embodiments, one or both of buffers 54 and 56
is/are implemented as circular buffers storing a predetermined
amount of audio data representing a most recent time interval
thereof as received by microphone 60 and/or reproduced by speaker
and/or earphone 70, or downloaded by PUA 20 for reproduction by a
different device coupled with PUA 20. Processor 30 extracts
signatures and/or decodes ancillary codes in the buffered audio
data to produce research data. Where metadata is received in buffer
56, in certain embodiments the metadata is used, in whole or in
part, as research data 58, or processed to produce research data
58. The research data is thus gathered representing exposure to
and/or usage of audio data by the user where audio data is received
in acoustic form by the PUA 20 and where presentation data is
received in non-acoustic form (for example, as a cellular telephone
communication, as an electrical signal via a cable from a personal
computer or other device, as a broadcast or satellite signal or
otherwise).
In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 is provided with a research data
source 96 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 30
for use in gathering further or alternative research data to be
communicated to a research organization. In certain ones of these
embodiments, the research data source 96 comprises a location data
producing device or function providing data indicating a location
of the PUA 20. Various devices appropriate for use as source 96
include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial
location signal receiver, a wireless networking device that
receives location data from a network, an inertial location
monitoring device and a location data producing service provided by
a PUA service provider. In certain embodiments, research data
source 96 comprises a device or function for monitoring exposure to
print media, for determining whether the user is at home or out of
home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays
(such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercial
establishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumer
attitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of
a survey to the user of the PUA 20. In certain embodiments,
research data source 96 comprises one or more devices for
receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or
more of the foregoing functions, other research data gathering
functions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of
gathering, storing and/or communicating research data, such as data
indicating whether the panelist has complied with predetermined
rules governing the activity or an extent of such compliance. Such
devices include, but are not limited to, motion detectors,
accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors,
satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers,
wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling
transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric
field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes,
and the like.
FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system 100 for setting up,
promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating research
operations with the use of multiple cellular telephones or other
PUA's having communications capabilities, such as that illustrated
in FIG. 1. For these purposes, the system 100 operates under the
control of a processor 110 to communicate messages to the PUA 20,
and receive communications therefrom, by means of communications
120 coupled with processor 110 and with PUA 20. In certain
embodiments, some messages are sent and received for conducting
tests. In certain embodiments, communications 120 is coupled with
PUA 20 via a cellular telephone network. In certain embodiments,
communications 120 is coupled with PUA 20 via the Internet or other
network via a host or device (e.g., a telephone terminal or
connection) able to communicate via such a network coupled with PUA
20, such as a personal computer, or via a wireless link or cable
coupling the PUA 20 with such a network so that the PUA 20
functions as a host or device communicating on the network.
Instructions for operating processor 110 as well as research data
received by the system 100 are stored in storage 130 coupled with
processor 110. An input device or devices 140 coupled with
processor 110 enable a user of the system 100 to enter commands
and/or data such as system commands (for example, a system startup
command or a command to enter a system maintenance mode), research
data and/or software updates or other modifications. In certain
embodiments, some commands are sent for conducting tests. System
100 in certain embodiments is maintained by a research
organization. In certain embodiments, system 100 is maintained by
another entity acting for or on behalf such a research
organization. The operation of system 100 in cooperation with PUA
20 to set up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate research
operations, is further described hereinbelow.
In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user stores
software enabling it to gather, store and/or communicate research
data, such as codes and/or signatures indicating exposure to audio
media. In certain ones of such embodiments, the software is
inoperative to carry out at least one of such gathering, storing or
communicating functions until activated, by an action of the user
(such as a command to the PUA entered by the user input 80 of the
microphone 60, or data entered by the user indicating agreement to
participate in the research operation) and/or by means of a
communication received by the PUA from system 100. In certain ones
of such embodiments, the software is enabled when the PUA is
provided to the user.
In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user, while
capable of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data
when appropriate software runs on its processor 30, lacks some or
all of such appropriate software. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the PUA 20 is enabled to gather, store and/or
communicate research data by downloading the required software from
system 100. In certain ones of such embodiments, in response to a
message expressing agreement to participate in a research data
gathering, storage and/or communication activity or a different
message from which such agreement can be inferred (such as a
download request), the PUA 20 downloads the required software from
system 100, as well as media data or other content (such as ring
tones, images, audio/video data, or songs), games and/or other user
software, provided as an incentive for such participation. The
content and/or software can be sent from system 100 or from a
different source. In certain ones of such embodiments, the user
installs the software in the PUA 20 from external storage, such as
a personal computer or external storage device, using a wireless
communications link, a cable or an interface.
At the time of initiating the user's participation as a member of a
panel, and/or from time to time, in certain embodiments a
maintenance message is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20
and/or a research data gathering system coupled therewith (as
described herein below) for one or more purposes. In certain ones
of such embodiments, a message is communicated by system 100 to the
PUA 20 and/or the research data gathering system for testing its
ability to gather, store and/or communicate research data as
presently configured or as it may be configured using software
and/or hardware to interact with the PUA's or the research data
gathering system's pre-existing software and/or hardware. In
certain embodiments, the message is communicated by a third party,
such as a cellular telephone service provider. Such message
comprises a test command to control a test operation of the PUA
and/or the research data gathering system, test data for use in
conducting such a test operation, such as by processing the test
data in the processor 30, and/or test software to run on processor
30 or a processor of the research data gathering system to control
it to carry out a test operation, and which in some cases is stored
in storage 50 for subsequent use. That is, the test data thus
provided to the PUA and/or the research data gathering system
serves to establish, enable or provide a capability thereof to test
its ability to carry out a research operation. Accordingly, in
certain embodiments, test software and/or test data is stored in
the PUA 20 and/or the research data gathering system when it is
acquired by the user, or stored therein at a subsequent time, such
as a part of software downloaded to or otherwise stored in PUA 20,
with or without an action of the user. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the PUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 in
response indicating receipt of the maintenance message. Data
providing results of the test operation is communicated from the
PUA 20 to system 100, in certain ones of such embodiments, directly
from PUA 20 and/or from a third party service provider.
In certain embodiments, such a test is conducted in response to a
predetermined event, such as the occurrence of an operational
condition of the PUA and/or the research data gathering system
indicating a desirability of testing its operational capabilities,
or the occurrence of a predetermined time. In certain embodiments,
such a test is conducted in response to receipt of a recruitment
message, communication of a response to the recruitment message or
a message requesting that a test be carried out, or at the time of
installation, activation or enablement of functionality in PUA 20
to gather, store and/or communicate research data. In certain
embodiments, such a test is carried out when the production of data
indicates faulty operation or inoperative state. In certain
embodiments, the test results are communicated to a processing
facility.
In certain embodiments, the operation of a clock of the PUA 20 (not
shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) is tested to
determine an offset in its clock rate from a standard. In certain
ones of such embodiments, where the PUA implements a research data
gathering operation with the use of a function for converting
time-domain data (such as time-domain audio data) to
frequency-domain data, the maintenance message from system 100
comprises time-domain test data having a predetermined frequency
content, such as audio data having a single frequency component.
The output of the function is data indicating a single frequency
and any deviation of that single frequency from the predetermined
frequency of the audio data will reveal any offset of the PUA's
clock from the standard. The test results can be used either by
system 100 or by PUA 20 to compensate for any such offset or else
to disqualify the PUA for use in the research operation.
In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated to
the PUA 20 by system 100 requesting a response therefrom
identifying the user. This is useful to confirm that the PUA is
being used by the panelist/user or by another, such as another
member of the panelist's household. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the requested response comprises a voice message
including identifying data, such as a screen name or other alias of
the user that is known to system 100. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the requested response is a voice signature gathered
by software running on processor 30 or extracted from a responsive
voice message from PUA 20 by processor 110 of system 100. In
certain embodiments, the requested response comprises a text
message, an e-mail or a response conveyed by means of a form.
In certain ones of such embodiments, the response is requested from
the user by means of an audible or visual user identification
request message and requires an action of the user before it is
communicated. In certain ones of such embodiments, the requested
response is communicated by the PUA 20 automatically in response to
a user identification request message and without the need for the
user's participation. In some of such embodiments, the processor 30
runs software that automatically extracts a voiceprint for a
current user of the PUA which is sent as the responsive message. In
some of such embodiments, the user is asked or required to enter
user identification data in the PUA 20 when turning on the cellular
telephone, and/or from time to time, and the user identification
data is stored by storage 50 pending receipt of a user
identification request message. The PUA 20 responds to the user
identification request message from system 100 by communicating the
user identification data to system 100. In certain embodiments, PUA
20 stores current user identification data and communicates it to
system 100 without the need for any message from system 100
requesting such identification data. Such communications are made
in response to the occurrence of a condition, such as storage of
current user identification data in storage 50, passage of time,
occurrence of a predetermined time, application of power to the
PUA, detection of movement of the PUA or use of the PUA.
In certain embodiments, data identifying the PUA 20 and the user is
communicated from the PUA 20 or otherwise by the user and is stored
by system 100 in storage 130 prior to communicating the maintenance
message to enable a determination that the user of the PUA is the
panelist. When the response to the maintenance message is
communicated by the PUA 20 and received by system 100, it is
compared with the previously stored data to determine the user's
identity.
In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated by
system 100 to the PUA 20 requesting demographic or other
user-specific data or household data. This is useful to update such
information from time to time, or to follow up an initial request
for such information that did not prompt a complete response. In
certain ones of such embodiments, then, a prior message is
communicated from the PUA or otherwise from the user to system 100
to convey demographic or other user-specific data or household data
to be stored in storage 130.
In certain embodiments, the maintenance message communicated by
system 100 comprises a request for system data concerning the PUA
20. Such data is useful, for example, to determine whether research
data software running in the PUA needs to be updated and, if so,
which updates to provide. It is useful also to determine whether
the functions and/or capabilities of the PUA 20 have changed, such
as by installation of software from a third party, or whether the
PUA 20 has been replaced by the user. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the system data is requested from the user, while in
others the system data is requested directly from the PUA 20 by
system 100 without the need to involve the user.
In certain embodiments, the maintenance message comprises a command
or request communicated by system 100 for the PUA to carry out a
research operation. This is useful where, for example, it is
desired to modify the type, quality or extent of the research data
gathered or stored by means of the PUA, or else to reactivate a
data gathering, storage and/or communication function of the PUA
that had previously been disabled or otherwise been made
unavailable (for example, where a modification of its software
disabled such function or the PUA had been replaced with a new
PUA). It is also useful for managing communications of research
data from the PUA, so that they occur at times or under conditions
determined by system 100, or else to provide an address for
communicating such data. In certain ones of such embodiments, the
PUA responds to the maintenance message by communicating research
data to system 100 and/or by communicating an acknowledgement to
system 100 that it has received the maintenance message and/or
carried out a requested operation. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the system 100 stores data identifying the PUA 20 and
its user/panelist before communicating the maintenance message. In
certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds to the
maintenance message by communicating a message to system 100
indicating an ability and/or availability thereof to carry out a
research operation.
FIG. 2 illustrates PUA 20 coupled by its communications 40 with
communications 210 of a research system 200 comprising a microphone
220, a processor 230 coupled with microphone 220 and with
communications 210 by a wired or wireless link. Research system 200
in certain embodiments comprises storage 240 coupled with processor
230.
In certain embodiments research system 200 is housed separately
from PUA 20 and is physically separated therefrom, but both are
carried on the person of a panelist. In certain embodiments,
research system 200 is housed separately from PUA 20 but is either
(1) affixed to an exterior surface thereof, (2) carried by or in a
common container or carriage device with PUA 20, (3) carried by or
in a cover of PUA 20 (such as a decorative "skin"), or (4) arranged
to contain PUA 20. In certain embodiments, PUA 20 and research
system 200 are contained by a common housing.
In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research
system 200 serves to read ancillary codes and/or extract signatures
from audio data transduced by the microphone 220. Certain ones of
these embodiments communicate the ancillary codes that have been
read and/or the signatures that have been extracted to the PUA 20
by communications 210 for storage and/or communication from the
PUA.
In certain ones of these embodiments, storage 240 serves to store
the ancillary codes and/or signatures for subsequent communication
to the PUA 20.
In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 serves to
store audio data transduced by the microphone 220 in storage 240,
and subsequently communicates the audio data to PUA 20 via
communications 210. PUA 20 processes the audio data as described
hereinabove to produce research data therefrom.
In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives
audio data from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processor 230
serves to produce research data from the audio data which either is
stored in storage 240 and subsequently communicated to PUA 20 by
communications 210 or communicated thereby without prior storage in
research system 200.
In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research
system 200 receives presentation data and/or metadata of the
presentation data from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processes
the presentation data and/or metadata to produce research data
therefrom. Such presentation data and metadata is received by PUA
20 in a form other than acoustic data such as electrical or
electromagnetic data. Research system 200 either stores such
research data in storage 240 and subsequently communicates it to
PUA 20 by communications 210, or communicates the research data to
PUA 20 by communications 210 without prior storage in research
system 200.
In certain embodiments of research system 200, processor 230 adds a
time and/or date stamp to research data, media data, presentation
data or metadata of one of the foregoing received, produced, stored
or communicated thereby.
In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives
audio data, presentation data and/or metadata of one of the
foregoing from PUA 20 via communications 210 and stores the
received data in storage 240. Subsequently, system 200 reads the
stored data from storage 240 and communicates it to PUA 20 which
either processes it to produce research data therefrom or
communicates it to a processing facility for producing research
data
FIG. 2A illustrates a research data monitor 72 affixed to an outer
surface 21 of a PUA 20A, wherein the monitor 72 is operative to
gather research data and communicate it to PUA 20A. PUA 20A is
illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B,
PUA 20A comprises the same elements as PUA 20 of FIG. 1, except
that research data source 96 is omitted from the embodiment of FIG.
2B.
Research data monitor 72 is illustrated in the block diagram of
FIG. 2C. The research data monitor 72 comprises a processor 74 that
is operative to exercise overall control of the monitor 72 and to
process data for transmission or reception and communications 82
coupled to the processor 74 and operative under the control of
processor 74 to perform those functions required for conducting
communications with PUA 20A. In certain embodiments, processor 74
comprises two or more processing devices, such as a first
processing device (such as a digital signal processor) that
processes research data, such as audio data, and a second
processing device that exercises overall control over operation of
the monitor 72. In certain embodiments, processor 74 employs a
single processing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of
the functions of processor 74 are implemented by software, while in
other embodiments, the functions of processor 74 are implemented in
hardwired circuitry without the use of software.
In certain embodiments, communications 82 establishes and maintains
a wireless communication link with communications 40 of PUA 20A,
using a Bluetooth.TM. protocol, a ZigBee.TM. protocol, an inductive
link, a capacitive link, an RF link, infrared link, or otherwise.
In certain embodiments, communications 82 communicates with
communications 40 using a wired link, such as a USB interface, a
Firewire.RTM. interface, a connection to a plug or jack of the PUA
20A or an internal connection to PUA 20A.
Research data monitor 72 further comprises a research data source
76 coupled with processor 74. In certain embodiments, research data
monitor 72 comprises a microphone that serves to transduce acoustic
energy for processing by processor 74 to produce research data. In
certain embodiments, research data source 76 comprises a keypad
that enables the user to input data, such as channel or station
data, user identification data or another kind of research data. In
certain embodiments, monitor 72 comprises an RF receiver and/or
infrared radiation detector. In certain embodiments, monitor 72
comprises a location data producing device or function providing
data indicating a location of the monitor 72. Various devices
appropriate for use as research data source 76 include a satellite
location signal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a
wireless networking device that receives location data from a
network, an inertial location monitoring device and a location data
producing service provided by a PUA service provider. In certain
embodiments, monitor 76 comprises a device or function for
monitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the
user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to
products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising),
presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering
research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion
data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PUA
20A. In certain embodiments, monitor 76 comprises one or more
devices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in
implementing one or more of the foregoing functions, other research
data gathering functions and/or for producing data ancillary to
functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data,
such as data indicating whether the panelist has complied with
predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of such
compliance. Such devices include, but are not limited to, motion
detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity
detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF
receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device
coupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors,
electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors,
electrodes, and the like.
Monitor 72 further comprises storage 78 coupled with processor 74
and operative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments,
storage 78 comprises a single storage device, while in others it
comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a
single device implements certain functions of both processor 74 and
storage 78.
FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of research data monitor 72
fabricated on a substrate 83, such as a printed circuit board or a
flexible substrate comprising paper, plastic or the like, on which
certain elements of monitor 72 are printed on substrate 83. Power
source 86 comprises a battery (either rechargeable or
non-rechargeable) or a charge storage device such as a capacitor,
printed on substrate 83. In the embodiment of FIG. 2D,
communications 82 comprises an RF transceiver, such as a
Bluetooth.TM. transceiver, a ZigBee.TM. transceiver or other RF
transceiver. An antenna 92 is printed on substrate 83 and coupled
with communications 82. It will be appreciated that monitor 72 can
be fabricated to have a very thin profile and very low weight, so
that it may be affixed to the enclosure of a cellular telephone, a
PDA or other PUA that is carried on the person of a participant,
without adding substantially to its size or weight. In certain
embodiments, the monitor 72 is carried by a cover for the PUA (such
as a decorative "skin"). In certain embodiments, monitor 72 is
housed in or carried by a device separate from the PUA and adapted
to be carried with the person of a panelist who carries the
PUA.
FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA comprising a personal
communication device adapted to be carried on the person of a
participant (such as a PDA, Blackberry.RTM. device, pager, notebook
computer, walkie talkie, or the like) having a processor 94, and
communications 95, user data source 96 and storage 97 coupled with
processor 94. A research data gathering device 72, adapted to be
carried on the person of a participant, is operative to gather
research data and communicate the same wirelessly to communications
95 of the personal communication device for subsequent
communication by the personal communication device to a research
data processing facility. In certain embodiments, the research data
gathering device 72 is separate from the personal communication
device, so that it is carried by the participant separately
therefrom. In certain ones of such embodiments, the device 72 is
contained in a PUA such as an article of jewelry, an article of
clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the device 72 is contained in its own enclosure and is
carried on a lanyard to be worn about the participant's neck or
provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for attachment to an
article of the participant's clothing.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) 300
modified to gather research data. The PDA comprises a processor 310
that is operative to exercise overall control and to process data
for, among other purposes, transmission or reception by the PDA and
communications 320 coupled to the processor 310 and operative under
the control of processor 310 to perform those functions required
for establishing and maintaining two-way communications over a
network (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity).
In certain embodiments, processor 310 comprises two or more
processing devices, such as a first processing device that
exercises overall control over operation of the PDA 300 and a
second processing device that performs certain more specific
operations such as digital signal processing. In certain
embodiments, processor 310 employs a single processing device. In
certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 310
are implemented by hardwired circuitry.
PDA 300 further comprises storage 330 coupled with processor 310
and operative to store software that runs on processor 310, as well
as temporary data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 330
comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises
multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device
implements certain functions of both processor 310 and storage
330.
PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310,
such as a keypad, to enter commands and data, as well as a display
350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user
under the control of processor 310.
In certain embodiments, the PDA 300 provides additional functions
and/or comprises additional elements. In certain embodiments, PDA
300 provides cellular telephone functionality, and comprises a
microphone 370, as well as an ability of communications 320 to
communicate wirelessly with a cell of a cellular telephone network,
to enable its operation as a cellular telephone. Where PDA 300
possesses cellular telephone functionality, in certain embodiments
PDA 300 is employed to gather, store and/or communicate research
data, such as by storing appropriate research software in storage
330 to run on processor 310.
In certain embodiments, communications 320 of PDA 300 provides
wireless communications via Bluetooth protocol, ZigBee.TM.
protocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link, inductive link
or the like, to a network, network host or other device, and/or
through a cable to such a network, network host or other device. In
such embodiments, PDA 300 is employed to gather, store and/or
communicate research data, such as by storing appropriate research
software in storage 330 to run on processor 310.
In certain embodiments, the PDA is provided with a research data
source 360 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor
310 for use in gathering further or alternative research data to be
communicated to a research organization. In certain ones of these
embodiments, the research data source 360 comprises a location data
producing device or function providing data indicating a location
of the PDA 300. Various devices appropriate for use as source 360
include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial
location signal receiver, a wireless networking device that
receives location data from a network, an inertial location
monitoring device and a location data producing service provided by
a cellular telephone service provider. In certain ones of these
embodiments, research data source 360 comprises a device or
function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determining
whether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure
to products, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising),
presence within or near commercial establishments, or for gathering
research data (such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion
data) through the administration of a survey to the user of the PDA
300. In certain ones of these embodiments, research data source 360
comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing or detecting
data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoing functions,
other research data gathering functions and/or for producing data
ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicating
research data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has
complied with predetermined rules governing the activity or an
extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but are not
limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature
detectors, proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal
receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers, wireless networking
transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers, pressure
detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors, magnetic
field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.
In addition, PDA 300 comprises a microphone 370 coupled with
processor 310 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal
which it supplies to processor 310 for encoding, and a speaker
and/or earphone 380 coupled with processor 310 to transduce
received audio from processor 310 to an acoustic output to be heard
by the user. PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with
processor 310, such as a keypad, to enter telephone numbers and
other control data, as well as a display 350 coupled with processor
310 to provide data visually to the user under the control of
processor 310.
In addition, PDA 300 comprises a personal communication device
adapted to be carried on the person of a participant having a
processor 310, and communications 320, and storage 330 coupled with
processor 310. A research data source 360, adapted to be carried on
the person of a participant, is operative to gather research data
and communicate the same wirelessly to communications 320 of the
personal communication device for subsequent communication by the
personal communication device to a research data processing
facility. In certain embodiments, research data source 360
comprises a microphone for receiving ambient acoustic energy and
producing a corresponding electrical signal that is processed
either by research data source 360 to read ancillary codes therein
or extract signatures therefrom, or is instead processed for doing
so by processor 310. In certain embodiments, the research data
source 360 is separate from the personal communication device, so
that it is carried by the participant separately therefrom. In
certain ones of such embodiments, the research data source 360 is
contained in a PUA such as an article of jewelry, an article of
clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA. In certain ones of such
embodiments, the research data source 360 is contained in its own
enclosure and is carried on a lanyard to be worn about the
participant's neck or provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for
attachment to an article of the participant's clothing.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device 400, such
as a portable storage drive, modified to gather research data. A
storage 430, such as a flash memory, serves to store data for use
by the user as well as research data. Access to storage 430 is
controlled by a processor 410. In certain embodiments, storage 430
is partitioned into a portion used to store user data and a further
portion used to store research data (as well as research software,
if necessary, to run on processor 410). In certain embodiments,
processor 410 dynamically partitions storage 430 into sections as
needed so that each stores either user data or research data
(and/or research software). Storage device 400 also comprises
communications 420 coupled with processor 410 to receive data to be
written in storage 430 and to communicate data read from storage
430. Communications 420 in certain embodiments communicates data by
means of a connection, such as a USB interface, while in others
communicates its data wirelessly, for example, by means of a
Bluetooth protocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link,
inductive link or the like.
Storage device 400 also comprises a research data source 440 that
provides research data to be stored in storage 430 and communicated
to system 100 via communications 420. In certain embodiments,
research data source 430 comprises an acoustic transducer, such as
a microphone, and processing (not shown for purposes of simplicity
and clarity) to produce audio data in compressed or uncompressed
form to be stored in storage 430 under the control of processor
410. In certain embodiments, ancillary codes in the audio data are
decoded by processing in research data source 440 and/or signatures
are extracted from the audio data thereby to be stored in storage
430. In certain embodiments other or additional types of research
data are gathered by source 440, such as those described
hereinabove.
In certain embodiments, storage device 400 employs external power
to write and read user data via communications 420, as in the case
of a USB interface. In such embodiments, research data source 440
includes a power source (not shown for purposes of simplicity and
clarity), such as a rechargeable battery, to provide power for
operating research data source 440 and writing research data to the
storage 430 while storage device 400 is not coupled to a source of
external power.
In certain embodiments, communications between storage device 400
and system 100 of the kind described above in connection with PUA
20, are conducted without involving the user, so that a user input
and display are not required. In certain embodiments, such
communications are carried out by coupling storage device 400 with
a networked host, such as a personal computer, cellular telephone
or PDA to communicate with system 100. Of these embodiments, in
some cases a user input and display of the networked host are used
to carry out communications involving user interaction. In these
cases, benefits for participating in a research operation to
gather, store and/or communicate research data that require the
user to carry the storage device 400 on his or her person, can be
provided via the networked host or otherwise.
FIG. 5 illustrates a pen 500 in phantom lines. A research data
collection system 510 is contained within pen 500 and serves to
gather research data of audio data to which a user carrying the pen
is exposed. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of research data collection
system 510.
With reference both to FIGS. 5 and 6, the research data collection
system 510 includes a research data source 520 and a processor 530.
The research data source 520 is coupled with processor 530 to
provide research data therefrom or data from which research data
may be produced. In certain embodiments, research data source 520
comprises a microphone operative to transduce acoustic energy to
which a user of the pen 500 is exposed while carrying the pen to
produce audio data. In such embodiments, processor 530 either
stores the audio data or a compressed version thereof as research
data in a storage 540 of the system 510 coupled with the processor
530, or extracts research data therefrom, such as data represented
by an ancillary code of the audio data and/or a signature of the
audio data which it stores in storage 540.
In certain embodiments, processor 530 comprises two or more
processing devices, such as a first processing device that
exercises overall control over operation of the system 510 and a
second processing device that performs certain more specific
operations such as digital signal processing. In certain
embodiments, processor 530 employs a single processing device. In
certain embodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 530
are implemented by hardwired circuitry. In certain embodiments,
storage 540 comprises a single storage device, while in others it
comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, a
single device implements certain functions of both processor 530
and storage 540.
System 510 of pen 500 also includes communications 550 coupled with
processor 530 to communicate stored research data to system 100 of
FIG. 1B, as well as to receive communications therefrom and
communicate other types of communications thereto of the kind
described hereinabove for setting up, promoting, operating,
maintaining and/or terminating a research operation with the use of
the pen 500. In certain embodiments, communications 550 serves to
establish a wireless communications link with a host or device on a
network to conduct such communications, while in certain
embodiments, system 510 serves as a host or device on a network for
conducting such communications. In certain embodiments,
communications 550 communicates with system 100 via a separate PUA
having the ability to communicate with system 100. In certain ones
of such embodiments communications 550 establishes a wireless link
with the separate PUA according to a Bluetooth.TM. or ZigBee.TM.
communications standard.
System 510 of pen 500 further includes compliance detection 560
that operates to detect data useful in determining whether the user
is in compliance with rules governing the research operation. In
certain embodiments, compliance detection 560 comprises a motion
detector, a temperature sensor and/or a proximity detector and is
coupled with processor 530 to provide its data thereto. Processor
530 processes such data to determine whether the pen is being
carried by the user at prescribed times. System 510 also includes a
compliance indicator 570 coupled with processor 530 which processor
530 controls to provide to the user an indication whether the user
is in compliance with rules for the research operation concerning
carriage of the pen. In certain embodiments, the indicator 570
comprises a light, such as an LED, that provides a visual
indication of compliance or non-compliance under the control of
processor 530. In certain embodiments, the indicator 570 comprises
an audio transducer that produces sound under the control of
processor 530 to indicate such compliance or non-compliance.
Additional disclosures of compliance determination and indication
techniques suitable for use in the various embodiments disclosed
herein are provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 to Brooks, et al.,
assigned to the assignee of the present application and
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In certain embodiments, system 510 is powered by a rechargeable
battery (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity). In such
embodiments, recharging terminals 580 are provided for connecting
system 510 to an external source of power for recharging such
battery. In certain ones of such embodiments, the pen 510 is placed
in a cradle of a base station (not shown for purposes of simplicity
and clarity) where the terminals 580 contact terminals of the base
station where recharging power is supplied. Appropriate base
stations for this purpose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276,
referenced above.
Various illustrative PUA's are presented herein, such as cellular
telephones, PDA's, portable storage devices, pens, and notebook
computers. As previously discussed, however, many different types
of devices, electronic and non-electronic, may be employed as a PUA
in accordance with various embodiments described herein. For
example, a belt buckle, ring, watch, shoe, etc., may be retrofitted
with technology that implements a designated secondary function to
enable the gathering of research data. Thus, the scope hereof is
not limited to devices that have technical features or technical
capabilities as their primary or only function.
In general, the embodiments described herein employ PUA's for the
purpose of carrying out research operations, which are also the
kinds of devices or articles that individuals have already freely
chosen to use or carry for other purposes beneficial to them.
Hence, recruited panel members are not burdened with the task of
carrying around a device that they would otherwise not carry
around. Moreover, in many embodiments, implementation of the
research operation by the user's PUA is transparent to the
user.
Although various embodiments have been described with reference to
a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are
not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and
indeed many other embodiments, modifications and variations will be
ascertainable to those of skill in the art.
* * * * *
References